COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
Salary Level: Local Government Salary Point, SCP 16, £26,357 (plus pension and paid annual leave).
Term: 24 months fixed term with a possible extension subject to funding. Expected to commence from April 2023 (or the earliest opportunity).
The Parish Council is seeking to appoint a Community Development Officer to support its commitment to maintaining its park area as a safe and welcoming community facility to all who visit and use it. The post holder will need to be a positive role model for the community and have a “can do” attitude with a passion to make changes and stand out.
The post holder will need to be flexible in terms of working hours and deliver services/support/activities when necessary and appropriate. However, it is anticipated that hours of work will be based on 37 hours per week with enhanced hours during April to September and reduced hours between October to March. There will be a requirement for weekend and evening working, particularly during an April to September period.
Key duties and responsibilities associated with the role include but are not limited to:
- Promoting better use and access to the park by organising activities, supporting sessions and working and liaising with other groups.
- Ensuring safeguarding procedures are followed and that there is full access for all people no matter what age, ability or disability.
- Helping to develop a volunteer scheme which involves local people to help reduce anti-social behaviour and develop a sense of pride in the park as a community asset.
- Developing working partnerships with a range of groups with a view to developing and implementing activities, group sessions and wider use of the bowling pavilion, the woodland area and football and open space amenities.
- Planning and preparing and implementing schedules of park activities.
- Implementing a system to record use of the park and liaising with the wider community as to priorities around ‘what needs to happen next’ for the park, future activities and additional resources.
- Engaging with community leaders and using their skills and abilities to further improve the park resources, its use and its future.
- Helping to promote the park via a range of outlets to encourage engagement with local communities, providing updates on activities, issues and news.
- Representing the Parish Council at community meetings and others relating to the park.
- Working on behalf of the Parish Council and other potential organisations in relation to funding bids and the recording of outputs from successful funding bids.
- Liaison with the Parish Clerk, the Parish Council including attendance at some Parish Council meetings.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Person Specification
Essential criteria
- Demonstrable experience of organising and delivering a range of activities including, for example, those for children, older people, families and other demographic groups.
- Excellent and proven relationship building skills.
- Proven and strong consultation skills.
- Exceptional record of professional behaviour and respectful communication.
- A sound knowledge of risk assessment, health and safety and safeguarding in respect of activities delivery with a range of demographic groups.
- A respectful and professional approach to work in line with organisational values.
- Excellent people and communication skills.
- Excellent planning, prioritising and organisational skills.
- An enhanced DBS check (pre-appointment)
Desirable criteria
- Qualification in play, youth work or equivalent.
- Possession of a clean full driving licence.
Additional information
- You may very occasionally be asked to travel outside of your normal base.
- Wingate Parish Council is committed to equality in employment and service delivery and all staff are expected to actively promote equality, diversity and respect in all aspects of their work.
- Wingate Parish Council is committed to ensuring children and adults are kept safe from harm and this role expects that any safeguarding concerns are raised and appropriately addressed.
- This job description may be subject to change and other duties, appropriate to the role, maybe added as required.
- You will be required to use email and utilise Microsoft office products in undertaking the requirements of the job description.
Anyone interested in applying for the role should send an application by way of a CV and an accompanying letter to:
Graeme Reid
Clerk
Wingate Parish Council
Inglewood
Stockton Road
Easington Village
Co Durham
SR8 3AZ
Applications need to be submitted by 12 noon on Tuesday 14 March 2023, interviews for shortlisted candidates will follow shortly afterwards.